From micro prints and fancy floral hats to snazzy athletic wear and oversized ties, James Gabrillo picks six of the best looks from the runways of last week’s New York Fashion Week: Men’s — and gives tips on how to translate them to your everyday wardrobe.
Micro florals
The look
At the Tommy Hilfiger show, the designer updated preppy classics for modern gents. We’re big fans of the polo shirts and athletic shorts — ensembles that were worn with accessories featuring delicate micro florals.
How to wear
The bucket hat is one of our favourite trends to come out off the catwalks in recent seasons and it’s perfect for the summer weather — but mix and match with caution. Don’t go overboard with the prints: throw in an understated shirt to go with those exuberant florals.
Fifty shades of blue
The look
The ever-dependable Michael Kors showcased a dapper collection of garments mostly in shades of blue. The tight shirts and slim cardigans looked smashing paired with loose-fitting trousers and oversized printed ties.
How to wear
Everybody looks good in blue, so this one’s a trend for men of all ages and builds. When it comes to monochromatic ensembles, learn from Kors’s styling — the key is to play around with volume, texture and textiles, just like with our selected look, which features cotton stripes, polka dots, linen, leather and wool.
Print on print
The look
A bold — but not overly brash — use of print and pattern by one of the most exciting menswear labels today. Winner of last month’s Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Swarovski Award for Menswear, Orley is savvy with colour, as seen in this ensemble which features a sharp and lightweight wool plaid jacket, worn over a multicoloured cotton T-shirt.
How to wear
When pairing prints together, opt for those that come in subdued tones. You’ll still look young and hip — but tasteful.
The new business casual
The look
Master tailor Todd Snyder delivered our favourite look of the week: a white jacket thrown over a relaxed, stripy shirt, matched with cropped navy trousers and casual trainers. Clean, crisp and crafted to dashing perfection. Oh, and those white socks are a playful throwback trend that reminds us why dressing up can be a lot of fun.
How to wear
It’s an ensemble that’s painless to replicate, using pieces that you probably already have in your wardrobe. Just be sure to watch how everything fits — skinny cuts are a no-no these days, so go for easy and breezy. Wear it to brunch or a weekend getaway.
Pops of colour
The look
From New York label Timo Weiland came silk tops — reminiscent of bowling shirts from the 1950s — layered under light woollen T-shirts. “Ultimately we were thinking of things that are handed down from generation to generation,” said designer Donna Kang. Not that the collection was all old school — each look featured an unexpected pop of colour, such as the glorious red in these trousers.
How to wear
We know what you’re thinking — these trousers are hard to pull off. The key is to wear them with muted colours such as grey and white. A dose of confidence does not hurt, either.
Luxe leisure wear
The look
These are garments to wear and unwind in, courtesy of Tim Coppens. The Belgian talent sure has a way with slouchy silhouettes — doesn’t that soft, lightweight jacket make you want to let your hair down and just lounge around?
How to wear
As easy as throwing on a hoodie on a lazy weekend — literally. When shopping for leisure wear, always go for one size bigger than normal.